Ghana's Daniel Amartey will feature for Leicester City
Manchester City vs. Monaco: Yaya Toure should make his triumphant return to the Champions League here, with the Ivorian having convinced Pep Guardiola over the last six months that he still has something to offer the Sky Blues. However, Yaya and his teammates may have their work cut out against the Ligue 1 leaders. Franco-Ivorian Tiemoue Bakayoko will look to battle the legendary West African in the middle of the park, while Almamy Toure offers fine delivery from the right and, in Franco-Cameroonian wonderkid Kylian Mbappe, Monaco possess one of the brightest talents in the world game.
Benfica vs. Borussia Dortmund: Having broken the tournament record for goals scored during the group stage—and knocking Real Madrid off top spot in the process—the German heavyweights are surely eyeing a run deep into the competition. In Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, they possess one of the UCL’s finest frontmen, and the Central African will be desperate to put a dismal Nations Cup behind him with a series of strong showings in Europe. After all, Real are watching…
Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal: It was just the Gunners’ luck that, despite topping their group ahead of Paris Saint-Germain, they were drawn alongside German heavyweights Bayern in the Round of 16. The Bundesliga leaders look to have too much for Arsene Wenger’s side, but the Frenchman will surely call upon the excellence of Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi as he looks to pull off an upset. Egypt’s Mohamed Elneny—goalscorer in the Nations Cup final—could also feature, while Yaya Sanogo remains on the club’s books…and in their Champions League squad.
Real Madrid vs. Napoli: Reigning champions Real are favourites to edge the Italians in this one, despite failing to top their group ahead of Borussia Dortmund. Zinedine Zidane’s side have the edge on their opponents when it comes to quality and experience, although Napoli, who are third in Serie A, could point to their defence—featuring Algeria’s Faouzi Ghoulam and Kalidou Koulibaly of Senegal—as a reason for optimism. It will be fascinating to see how young Guinean midfielder Amadou Diawara fares in such an elevated setting!
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Atletico Madrid: Thomas Partey has been a peripheral figure for Atleti so far this term, and to date, has been wholly unable to build on his rise to prominence under Diego Simeone last season. However, Partey delivered a series of fine performances during Ghana’s Nations Cup campaign, and as a long season takes its toll on Atleti, could he be primed to step back into the side? Either way, we’re tipping the Spaniards to advance past Bayer.
FC Porto vs. Juventus: Both Juve and Porto are in fine fettle domestically, sitting first and second in their leagues respectively, but we believe the Italians will have too much in the UCL. Mario Lemina, Medhi Benatia and Kwadwo Asamoah have all played fairly peripheral roles in the Old Lady’s campaign so far, but all have the capacity to step into the side and make a big contribution over the coming weeks and months. For Porto, a revived Yacine Brahimi can trouble any defence on his day, while Franco-Ivorian centre-back is a back-up option for the Portuguese heavyweights.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Barcelona: PSG’s ‘punishment’ for failing to top their group is a last 16 showdown with Group C winners Barca. The French giants are meeting the reigning Spanish champions far earlier than they’d like and their hopes of reaching the promised land of the semi-finals are in jeopardy. Serge Aurier has only fleetingly hit top form this term, while young centre-back Presnel Kimpembe—if he plays—will be tested like never before. We’re expecting the African duo and their teammates to fall short against the might of Luis Enrique’s side.
Sevilla vs. Leicester City: In the most intriguing clash from an African perspective, and a genuinely fascinating Champions League knockout bout, reigning Europa League champions Sevilla take on surprise Premier League champions Leicester City. Star man Riyad Mahrez has been struggling domestically but has turned it on in the Champions League, while Islam Slimani and Ahmed Musa offer differing but effective threats. The midfield battle between Franco-Congolese Steven N’Zonzi and any of Daniel Amartey, Wilfried Ndidi and Nampalys Mendy could be key, while the Foxes will also have to watch out for Wissam Ben Yedder.
